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Romania

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BUCHAREST

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CAPITAL	Bucharest

AREA	237,500 sq km

POPULATION	22,270,000

LANGUAGE	The official language is Romanian

CURRENCY	Romanian Leu

TIME	GMT +2

TELEPHONE CODES	00 40

ELECTRICITY	220V



Bucharest

Visas: European Union citizens and residents do not require a visa, since Romania joined the EU in January 2007.

Public holidays: The Christian holidays of Christmas and (Orthodox) Easter are celebrated (they are official, non-working, holidays). Unlike some other Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25 December; however, they follow the usual Eastern Orthodox practice for the date of Easter. Other official holidays (non-working) are New Year's Day (1 January), Labour Day (1 May), and the National Day of Romania (1 December, the Union Day). For Christmas and for Labour Day, it is common for businesses to shut down for more than one day.

Local dishes: The best known is sarmale, cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, meat and herbs, usually served with sour cream or horseradish. These are also made with vine leaves or with corn. Mamaliga, maize mush or polenta, is often served with sour cream and especially associated with shepherds and rustic outdoor life. Muschi ciobanesc is pork stuffed with ham, covered with cheese and served with mayonnaise, cucumber and herbs. Keep an eye out for regional specialities, Moldavian cooking is reputedly the best in Romania, featuring rissoles and other more elaborate dishes. Because of Romania's Turkish past, you may come across moussaka and varieties of pilaf.